What is a forest fire?

A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire occurring in nature. Sometimes,

the forest fire is so large that it takes a long time for the fire
fighting crews to gain control over the situation. This could result in
massive destruction.
In Norway, an average of about 1100 forest fires occur each year.
Most of these are small and relatively easy to control. Only two per
cent of the registered forest fires in Norway are larger than 100
decares (100 000 m2).
Many forest fires are due to human activity
The number of forest fires varies from year to year, and quite a
long time may elapse between forest fires that are considered to
be large. Climatic conditions are the factor that has greatest
impact on the extent of forest fires. The forest is most vulnerable
in spring and summer seasons when there are long dry spells.
Weather conditions such as precipitation and wind, as well as the
layout of the terrain, are important factors in determining the size
of the forest fire.
It is estimated that as many as nine out of ten forest fires are
caused by humans, although the causes of a significant number of
forest fires remain unknown. The most common cause of such
fires is the use of open flames and disposable barbecue grills.
Even a cigarette that is not properly extinguished can cause a
forest fire. Some forest fires also start as a consequence of
downed power lines, sparks from trains, sparks from edge
trimmers along roadways or sparks from tools and forestry

machinery doing work in the forest. Natural forest fires are due to
lightning strikes.
In some cases, fires are set deliberately. The June 2008 forest fire
in Froland in Aust Agder county is the largest and most serious
recent example. This fire burned for 13 days and large crews from
the fire service, the civil defence and the Armed Forces
participated in the extinguishing efforts. At most, 15 helicopters
were in the air to put out the fire. 77 residents in the community of
Mykland had to be evacuated from their homes for a period of
time. The fire affected an area of 27 000 decares, of which 19 000
decares were productive forests.
Building fires in or near forest land is prohibited during the period
from 15 April to 15 September.

Who is responsible for forest fires?

Most forest fires are reported to the fire service using the
emergency number 110. Extinguishing forest fires is the
municipalitys responsibility, and the fire service is responsible for
the actual extinguishing.
In municipalities where there is a significant danger of forest fires,
the fire service must be adapted to handle these types of fires.
These municipalities are also obliged to have organised back-up
resources that can be called in as needed.
Police assistance
When the fire service receives a report of a forest fire, the 110
emergency centre will normally pass the information on to the
Police. In the case of larger forest fires that take time to put out,

the Police will play an important part in the effort. Among other
things, the Police will be responsible for alerting the public that
may be in danger and, if necessary, for securing and evacuating
affected areas. Sometimes the Police are the first to be notified,
either directly to the local police district or through the emergency
number 112. If this happens, the Police will immediately alert the
110 fire emergency centre.
Extra resources
Sometimes a forest fire becomes so large that the local fire
service and back-up resources cannot handle the fire on their
own. In such cases, the Armed Forces and Civil Defence may be
asked to assist. Both the Armed Forces and the Civil Defence
have significant resources and can provide personnel, expertise,
fire and rescue material, medical supplies, tents, vehicles and
communications equipment.
The Norwegian State has one forest fire helicopter that can assist
ground crews during a forest fire. The Joint Rescue Coordination
Centre (RCC) makes decisions regarding use of the helicopter.
During periods when need is greatest, the RCC normally makes
decisions in consultation with DSB the Directorate for Civil
Protection and Emergency Planning, which is the national fire
authority.
There are several international programmes to facilitate the
provision of assistance and resources from neighbouring countries
if catastrophes occur. If a major crisis should take place, Norway
can also benefit from this cooperation.

Forest fire what do I do?

If you discover a forest fire, you should follow this advice:
Alert the fire service dial emergency number 110
Tell them who you are and how you can be contacted. Explain
where the fire is burning as accurately as possible. If appropriate,
you can meet the fire brigade and show them the way to the fire
location.
Start extinguishing the fire, if possible
You can make an effective tool by chopping down a small tree,
about two metres tall. Remove branches from the bottom up until
just a tuft remains at the top. Use the tree like a broom and sweep
the flames back into the fire area. This is very effective on burning
organic matter. It is important that you do not beat the flames. It is
less effective and in the worst case; it can cause the flames to
flare up. You can also use sand or blankets to suffocate the
flames. If you have access to water close to the fire area, both
garden hoses, watering cans and buckets can help do the job.
Spread out fire fighting efforts along the flanks of the fire
Force the flames down to a single point until the fire goes out.
Make sure to keep watch and ensure adequate postextinguishing
During a forest fire, the fire can burn in soil, tree stumps, ant-hills
and other organic material. Even if the fire appears to be out, the
wind can cause it to flare up again. Therefore, it is important that
the area is monitored and post-extinguishing work must be done.

Pay particular attention if wind is forecast or expected to increase

in force.
Extinguishing forest fires is dangerous work
Be extremely careful and never take chances! Do not remain in
locations where there is a risk that flames could surround you.

What should I do in the event of a

fire?
The average response time for the fire service is 14 minutes.
Therefore, you are on your own and must function as your own fire
fighter for the first several minutes.
"Rescue, alarm, extinguish " is a simple rule to help you remember
what to do in the event of a fire. You will have to determine the
order in which you address these points, depending on your
assessment of the situation.
1. RESCUE: Make sure to alert everyone in the building. Help
each other make your way to the meeting place agreed in
advance. Check that everyone has made it out.
2. ALARM: Notify the fire service on emergency number 110. Give
the exact address. You should also teach children how to do this.
Do not hang up until you are told to do so. The fire service is
already on its way, while you are speaking.
3. EXTINGUISH: If the fire is not too large, try to put it out. Do not
expose yourself or others to significant danger. Remember that
smoke is very toxic.

Meet and brief the fire service about the situation when they
arrive. Immediately let them know if there are people who have not
yet evacuated from the house or building. Do not re-enter the
house to rescue pets or personal belongings. Leave that to the fire
service.
Smoke from fires is very toxic
If a fire occurs, remember that the smoke is very toxic. The most
common cause of death when buildings burn is smoke poisoning.
Avoid moving across significant distances in smoke-filled rooms. If
it is absolutely necessary, stay low, e.g. by crawling along the
floor. If it is dark, stay close to the wall so you always know where
you are.
In some cases if you know that the fire service is on its way it
may make the most sense to stay in the room or on a balcony until
the fire service arrives. If this is the case, give clear signals to
indicate where you are so that help can reach you quickly.